What Is CBD – The Complete Beginners Guide to Cannabidiol

Image Credit: Joel Filipe on Unsplash. Cannabidiol is a Chemical Compound which shows potential in the medical field.

CBD is short for Cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. These chemical pounds are known as cannabinoids. These cannabinoids also exist within the human body through the endocannabinoid system (ECS). There are over 100 different types of cannabinoids within the cannabis plant alone. Two of which are believed to have significant medical benefits, these are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). CBD is non-psychoactive and doesn’t make the user feel “high” or give off a euphoric effect, while THC on the other hand, is the only cannabinoid to do so.

In recent years, both of these cannabinoids have been gaining a lot of attention to their potential medicinal values. This is due to the discovery that cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The cannabinoids from the cannabis plant bind to the receptors that are located in the ECS.

What is The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a vital system for regulating bodily functions such as memory, pain, sleep, mood, and appetite. It was only discovered 25 years ago by Dr. Matsuda. It is made up of receptors. It’s these receptors that the cannabinoids bind to. The two most popular/well-known receptors in the ECS are

CB1 receptors (CB1)

CB2 receptors (CB2)

Currently, experts still do not have enough information on what the ECS actually does. However, they do know that it is vital physiological functions as it helps to regulate homeostasis. While we produce our own cannabinoids for regulating the immune system, the cannabis plants cannabinoids can help give them the little boost that they need. Sometimes the immune system overworks itself, leading to negative results. These results can range from physical conditions such as

Chronic pain

Allergies

Inflammation

And more

Stress, PTSD, anxiety, and other mental conditions or disorders can end up triggering these adverse effects associated with the ECS too. Due to immune responses not being very reliable all of the time, cannabinoids can help regulate these responses to promote good physical and mental health.

Does CBD (Cannabdiol) Work in Treating Medical Conditions?

Over the years CBD has gone under preclinical and clinical research to see whether it has the potential to treat a range of ailments or not. These studies have been sponsored by the U.S Government and by the UK government. Through these studies, researchers and experts have noted that cannabidiol contains many therapeutic effects. While these still need more testing, the studies that have already been conducted are showing very promising results. CBD may contain therapeutic properties such as

Anti-cancerous/anti-tumorous

Anti-inflammatories

Anti-bacterial

Anti-viral

Acts as a neuroproctive

While it is believed that CBD contains these natural healing properties, how safe is it to take CBD?. This is a common worry many people have due to that stigma surrounding the plant in which CBD comes from. However, further evidence shows that CBD is an all natural, safe alternative treatment and is safe to take, even in high doses. Further evidence suggests that no one has died due to a cannabis overdose, whether it was recreational cannabis use or medical cannabis use. Further study indicates that this is due to cannabis being almost impossible to overdose on, and in fact, one must consume 400+ times their own body weight in order to overdose on the plant.

Guide to Taking CBD

CBD can be taken in a range of methods and dosing. Dosing all comes down to what your doctor suggests, and whether your CBD contains THC or not. CBD can be taken in a range of methods such as

Tincture – The CBD oil is contained in a tincture styles bottle, and the user places two to three drops of the oil under the tongue for a few minutes before swallowing.

Edibles – CBD-infused foods are becoming popular within the food industry and there are many CBD-infused recipes online for you to follow.

Topical Creams – These are essentially CBD infused-creams that are commonly used to help treat inflammation, acne, and eczema.

Vape/Vaporizer – Many people use this method as a way to help quick nicotine, cannabis addiction or to help reduce pain.

Other CBD-infused products – The beauty industry have begun adding CBD to their beauty products such as foundation, lipstick, and mascara in the hopes to help try to promote healthy skin.

In spite of the evidence or lack of, more studies and research on cannabis and CBD is clearly needed due to the lack of in-depth studies and due to the lack of answers. If you wish to use CBD to treat or prevent a medical condition, make sure that you first seek professional help and guidance.

Niamh Tumilty is a Multimedia writer from Ireland who is evaluating the continued growth of CBD and its presence in the news. As an experienced journalist, she wants to ensure the public has access to the latest information in this area.